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Major cities that ban smoking indoors

More major cities in the United States are have banned indoor smoking than ever before, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency says as of Oct. 2012, 30 of the largest cities in the U.S. are covered by the bans, a dramatic improvement from the year 2000 when San Jose, Calif. was the only large city with comprehensive legislation enacted.

For the report, CDC researchers looked at the 50 largest U.S. cities by population, to see which of them had comprehensive indoor smoking bans on the books. A comprehensive law means it bans smoking in all indoor areas including workplaces, restaurants and bars.

"Communities have made tremendous progress eliminating smoking from worksites and public places in 60 percent of big cities in the United States. Smoke-free laws save lives and don't hurt business," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "If we can protect workers and the public in the remaining 20 largest cities, 16 million people would be better protected from cancer and heart disease caused by secondhand smoke."

Keep clicking to find out which major cities won't let you smoke indoors...

Credit: istockphoto

1. New York, N.Y.

New York was the largest city on the list to have a comprehensive indoor smoking ban, with a population of nearly 8.2 million residents.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

2. Chicago, Ill.

Both local and state laws prohibit smoking in The Windy City.

Credit: iStockPhoto

3. Houston, Texas

According to the city of Houston, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places, such as restaurants, bars, museums, libraries, public and private schools, convention centers, theaters, bingo halls, bowling alleys, buses, taxicabs, retail establishments, shopping malls, lobbies, restrooms and hallways of apartment or condominium buildings.

Credit: flickr/sdbruns

4. Phoenix, Ariz.

Arizona state laws that ban indoor smoking make establishments in Arizona's capital smoke-free.

Credit: Flickr/Ken Lund

5. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio bans indoor smoking in enclosed public places, theaters, public transportation facilities, restaurants, bars and many other establishments. A full list can be found on the city's website.

Credit: iStockPhoto

6. Dallas, Texas

Dallas' ban of indoor smoking in all enclosed areas in the city or within 15 feet of any entrance to indoor space has been enacted sine 2009.

Credit: iStockPhoto

7. San Jose, Calif.

San Jose was the pnly one of the 50 largest U.S. cities covered by a local smoking ban as of December 31, 2000.

Credit: iStockPhoto

8. Indianapolis, Ind.

Smoking is banned in workplaces, restaurants and bars in Indianapolis. Statewide, Indiana does not ban smoking in bars.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

9. Austin, Texas

Not only is smoking banned at indoor establishments in Austin but in April 2012, the University of Texas at Austin went completely tobacco-free on university grounds.

Credit: Flickr/Stu Seeger

10. Columbus, Ohio

In 2007, Ohio voters approved a state law to prohibit smoking in indoor public areas and workplaces.

Credit: iStockPhoto

11. Detroit, Mich.

A 2012 study from the University of Michigan found the May 2010 Smoke-free Air Law banning smoking in bars and restaurants had no negative impact on businesses, reports The Detroit News.

Credit: iStockPhoto

12. El Paso, Texas

After El Paso Texas banned smoking in restaurants or bars in 2002, no statistically significant changes occurred in terms of revenue, a 2004 CDC study of the city found.

Credit: iStockPhoto

13. Baltimore, Md.

Indoor smoking is banned not only by the city of Baltimore, but the state of Maryland.

Credit: iStockphoto

14. Boston, Mass.

According to the Boston Globe, Boston became the largest city in the country to also ban smoking in public housing as of Sept 30, 2012.

17. Denver, Colo.

18. Louisville - Jefferson, Ky.

As of January 11, 2008, smoking has been banned in Louisville offices, factories, bars, restaurants, private clubs, bingo halls, bowling alleys and stores

Credit: Flickr/ryanbjorkquist

19. Milwaukee, Wis.

Wisconsin's indoor smoking ban of public places and workplaces went into effect July 5, 2010.

Credit: iStockPhoto

20. Portland, Ore.

Oregon banned indoor smoking state-wide as of 2009.

Credit: iStockPhoto

Albuquerque, N.M.

New Mexico became the 17 state to pass a comprehensive indoor smoke-free law in June of 2007.

Credit: iStockphoto

Tucson, Ariz.

Due to state law, Arizona citizens can't smoke in restaurants, bars, food-serving establishments, workplaces, health care facilities, company-owned vehicles, common areas of hotels and halls, or at any place of employment.

Credit: Flickr/Josh Buchanan

Long Beach, Calif.

According to the city government, 85 percent of Long Beach cities don't smoke. "A Smoke Free City," smoking is even banned at outdoor restaurant patios.

Credit: istockphoto

Kansas City, Mo.

Kansas City voters in 2008 approved a smoking ordinance to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces -- except for casino gaming floors. Hotels may designate up to 25 percent of rooms to be "smoking rooms," according to the city's website.

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Mesa, Ariz.

Citizens passed the Smoke-Free Arizona Act in November 2006.

Credit: istockphoto

Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act banned smoking in restaurants, bars, and other indoor establishments since July 1, 2006,.

Credit: Flickr/Michael

Omaha, Neb.

Indoor establishments in Nebraska have been smoke free sine the state's 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act was passed.

Credit: istockphoto

Cleveland, Ohio

In 2007, Ohio voters approved a state law to prohibit smoking in indoor public areas and workplaces.

Credit: iStockphoto

Minneapolis, Minn.

The Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act became effective in October 2007, banning smoking in bars, restaurants, clubs, workplaces, stores, work vehicles, public and private educational facilities, health care facilities and common areas of apartments, hotels and buildings.